The army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) threatened a coup against the government of President Felix Tshisekedi in the early hours of Sunday, the country’s officials have said.
At least three people were killed in the attacks in Kinshasa, and several attackers, including “foreigners” are now in custody.
Here’s what we know about what happened, who was behind the alleged coup attempt, and the political churn in the DRC in the lead-up to Sunday’s attack.
The Congolese Republican Guard diverts traffic from the scene of an attempted coup in Kinshasa on May 19, 2024 [Arsene Mpiana/AFP]
What happened?
At around 4am local time on Sunday, dozens of men wearing military fatigues and armed with submachine guns and rifles attacked the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator who is an ally of Tshisekedi and is a favourite to become the speaker of the National Assembly.
The attackers also breached the Palais de la Nation, the president’s official residence and offices – although Tshisekedi was not present at the time. Both locations are about 2km (1.2 miles) apart in the Gombe area of the city, which is also home to several other government offices and embassies.
At least three people were killed in the shootouts that ensued, including two Congolese security officials, and the leader of the attackers — Christian Malanga. Some 50 people have been arrested, the Congolese military said, including three American citizens.
Ammunition fired from the capital hit an area in the city of Brazzaville in the neighbouring Republic of the Congo, injuring several people. Both capitals are separated by the Congo River.
The attack lasted about three hours before it was repelled.
Who is Christian Malanga and what was his aim?
Captain Christian Malanga Musumari who is believed to have led Sunday’s attack was a wealthy businessman, politician and one-time military captain in the Congolese army. He was a resident of the United States where his…
Source from www.aljazeera.com